Bible Pathways - April 28, 2006

April 28, 2006

Read 1 Kings 16

In Today's Reading:

Evil kings of Israel; Elijah's pronouncement of drought; Elijah fed by ravens and the widow; he raises the widow's son; his contest with prophets of Baal

Ahab promoted Baal worship as a result of his marriage to Jezebel. During his reign, Israelite worshipers of God hid in caves in fear for their lives Then the prophet Elijah declared to Ahab: As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word (I Kings 17:1). Elijah's faith was in God, who had said: Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And . . . He shut up the heaven, that there be no rain (Deuteronomy 11:16-17).

After 31/2 years of no rain, Elijah again informed the king that Israel's drought was the result of rejecting the Commandments of the LORD. . . . Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred (I Kings 18:18-19).

Elijah challenged the 850 false prophets to call on the name of your gods to consume their sacrifice (18:25). After a full day of Jezebel's prophets frantically praying to no avail, Elijah called the people to come near unto me. . . . And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down (18:30). Then he prayed: LORD God . . . let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy Word. . . . Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust. . . . And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, He is the God; the LORD, He is the God (18:36-39).

Elijah then demanded that all false prophets be executed (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). After their execution, Elijah said to Ahab . . . there is a sound of abundance of rain (I Kings 18:41; see James 5:17-18).

Elijah illustrates how the power of God is released when we pray and are obedient to His Word. We are to pray always with . . . all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).

Word Studies:

17:16 wasted not = was not used up; 17:17 sore = severe; 18:4 cut off = murdered; 18:19 eat at Jezebel's table = are supported by Jezebel; 18:21 halt = waver.

Christ Portrayed:

By Elijah, whom God used to provide flour and oil for the needy widow at Zarephath (I Kings 17:13-16). Christ is our Provider, who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rebecca Hahn · Government Official: Rep. Tom Cole (OK) · Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: 120 indigenous languages · Religious freedom · 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery · Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matthew 26:41).

Optional Reading: Romans 1

Memory Verse for the Week: I Kings 2:3